2023-05-16-KPMG_Global-South_Africa_–_Addressing_Backlog_of_Waiver_Applications_and_Temporary_Residence_Visas_3页_300kb

Summary of South Africa Home Affairs Concession

Purpose and Context

On March 29, 2023, South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs (DHA) extended a concession to address processing backlogs for long-term visa and waiver applications, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key Provisions

• Extension Period: The concession allows eligible foreign nationals to legally remain and work in South Africa until December 31, 2023, pending application outcomes.
• Applicants Awaiting Waiver Outcomes:
  • Long-term visa or waiver applicants can remain until the specified deadline.
  • Traveling abroad requires applying for a visitor's visa to re-enter South Africa before applications are finalized.
  • Those wishing to abandon applications can depart by December 31, 2023, without being declared undesirable.
• Applicants Awaiting Temporary Residence Visas:
  • Holders of pending long-term visas (62,962 applications) receive extensions until December 31, 2023.
  • Applicable conditions include adhering to visa restrictions; traveling abroad requires a visitor's visa until applications are finalized.
  • Abandonment allows departure by December 31, 2023, without undesirable status.
• Applicants Awaiting Short-Term Visas:
  • Not eligible under this concession; those with extensions expiring within 90 days faced a departure deadline of April 30, 2023.

Backlog and Timeline

The DHA anticipates clearing all pending applications over a 15-month period (or longer). Affected individuals are advised to seek guidance from immigration professionals due to ongoing uncertainties.

Action Required

Foreign nationals and employers are encouraged to consult qualified immigration counsel or KPMG's Immigration team in South Africa for assistance with compliance and next steps.

Note: This summary is based on the content provided.